The Tears of Saint Peter
Artist: Jusepe de Ribera (called Lo Spagnoletto) (Spanish, 1591–1652)
Original Dimensions: 63 3/4" x 45"
Location: The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York
About Artwork: (ca. 1612–13) "This early work by Ribera, who was Spanish by birth but spent his career in Italy, is first mentioned in Rome in 1644 in the collection of Cardinal Benedetto Monaldi Baldeschi. The painting shows Saint Peter after he has denied Christ, his eyes red with tears and his hands clasped in prayer. The figure’s pose embodies the crushing weight of his sin. Seen as a form of confession, such dramatic shedding of tears became central to Catholic devotional practices and was praised in poetry and song." - (The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York)

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